When planning a visit to Romania, you will no doubt find information about Peles Castle, Bran Castle and many more sites; however, you may not know find out about the Cantacuzino Castle. This is because it is not as well known and promoted as the other castles in Romania that have a more prominent place in history. However, I’m here to tell you that it is a castle that you should definitely stop by and see even if it is on your route to seeing another castle. This is because there is something quite magical about it and the location in which it is based. It is possible to visit the castle independently and without a tour guide.
Home to Prince Gheorghe Cantacuzino
If you are travelling from Bucharest to Brasov, you are likely to stop over at Sinaia to see Peles Castle; however, after seeing it, I would suggest that you stop at Zamora Street in Busteni to see the Cantacuzino Castle as it simply is a magnificent little site. From Peles Castle, Busteni is only a 15 minute drive and from Busteni; you can travel to Brasov within 45 minutes by car. If you are travelling directly from Bucharest to Busteni, then your travel time is approximately 2 hours by car.
The total surface of the Cantacuzino Castle is over 3,000 square metres (which is 279 square feet). It was built over a period of 10 years, from 1901 until 1911, by the architect Gregory Cerchez under the supervision of Prince Gheorghe Cantacuzino. Prince Gheorghe Cantacuzino was a senior figure in the legal and political system of Romania as he held the role of a senior judge as well as holding the title of the Prime Minister of Romania for a short duration. He was one of the wealthiest individuals in Romania and built 3 phenomenal buildings including the Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni. The Cantacuzino Castle is built in a Neo-Romanian style and is of great historic and artistic value.
It is open from Monday – Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm. Entrance fees to see the gardens only is 5 LEI (approximately 1 USD) and the cost to see the interior of the Cantacuzino Castle is 20 LEI (approximately 5 USD). If you want to see a special exhibition, then you have to pay an extra 15 LEI (approximately 4 USD).
Cute and heavenly interior courtyard
The Cantacuzino Castle consists of a number of period rooms, a main hall and a gorgeous interior courtyard. There are some fixtures such as the floors and the stained glass windows that are in their original form from 1911.
The Castle is beautiful; however, it could be even more exceptional had it not been for the removal of nearly all of the furniture and painting over a number of the walls during the Communist era. It is only the main hall, known as the “honorary saloon”, which has been left completely unchanged; the paintings and the decorations are in their original condition and form. The beauty of visiting such a place is that you can look at the “honorary saloon” and use your imagination to visualise how the period rooms would have also looked in 1911.
There are also special exhibitions housed in some of the period rooms in the Castle; examples of work previously showcased includes that of Dali and Chagall.
There is a guide that conducts a tour of the entire Cantacuzino Castle every hour; however, please note that the guide only speaks in Romanian unless a request that an English speaking guide be present is made in advance.
Postcard perfect Bucegi Mountains
The highlight of visiting the Cantacuzino Castle would have to be the view overlooking the Bucegi Mountains including The Croce, which is the area symbol. The view of the mountains is astonishing and certainly feels like you’re looking at a picturesque postcard; it feels so beautiful that you have to question if it’s really is in front of you.
This stunning view can be most appreciated from the Canta Cuisine restaurant, which is an upscale and expensive dining establishment located onsite. The type of food served there is primarily French and international cuisine including some traditional Romanian recipes. If you order a full meal, you also have the opportunity to sit on the elegant terrace of the Cantacuzino Castle. The terrace consists of iron chairs and tables, some traditional gazebos for some shade from the sunshine, and also some wonderfully carved marble statues. It’s a lovely setting and I am sure you can imagine how magical the Cantacuzino Castle would be on bright and warm summer’s day.
Perfect spot for lunch and relaxation
Whilst the Cantacuzino Castle is less visited than Peles Castle and Bran Castle, there is something very special about the history and the views from visiting this little treasure in Busteni. It is also wonderful to visit a much quieter castle as you can take your time, relax and enjoy the ambiance. You won’t find yourself pacing from one room to another and trying to see every single item included (as the rooms are quite bare), but rather you will be able to leisurely experience and appreciate the history of the castle.
I recommend that you put it on your itinerary to have lunch at and spend some time wandering around this wanderlust gem. You may also find yourself popping into the souvenir shop and purchasing some items for keepsake; I would suggest some of the unique handmade jewelry is a must-have.
History
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